This blog is a result of the heavy censoring of the media by the military dictatorship regime.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Chaudhry tries to take the lead

Saturday gathering of the FLP

Typical: the Fiji Labour party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has seen an opportunity and seized the moment.

Chaudhry is today being quoted by the state-owned FBC in an exclusive interview that says FLP and SDL will unite to form a coalition party.

Chaudhry says that despite deep differences in the past, there is nothing strange in uniting with rival political parties when it comes to salvaging the country from a government which suppresses the people through despotism.

Quote: "The country is in danger, we have to save the country. Whatever is happening here is before all of us. We have a government which dictates to the people, people don’t have freedom of speech for the past three years, political parties and people could not meet. People were made slaves so in this sort of situation we have to get together and oppose this. Political parties always have theirdifferences. This is not new but we need to get together to get the country out of danger because we think more about the future of this country so we can’t sing different tunes, we have to get together and sing the same tune."

We are investigating the story (which doesn't carry any reply from SDL but one from Frank Bainimarama) but offer at this time the more factual events from the FLP meeting on Saturday from their website.

FLP meeting

The FLP National Council meeting held in Ba on Saturday 24 March discussed the constitutional roadmap as outlined by the Prime Minister and has called for it to be replaced by one that is truly independent and genuinely inclusive.

The Council sees the constitutional process announced by Prime Minister Bainimarama on March 9 as an imposition of the regime’s own roadmap on the people of Fiji.

The various steps outlined therein were determined without any consultation with political parties or civil society organisations. The entire process is heavily driven by the regime and this is unacceptable – it cannot be seen as being inclusive and participatory.

The process to be credible, has to be independent of the regime; it must be inclusive and participatory and not just consultative. To ensure this, the FLP recommends that the President’s Political Dialogue Forum (PPDF) abandoned after the abrogation of the Constitution in April 2009, be resuscitated to determine a roadmap based on consensus.

The proposed process as outlined is too haphazard and seriously flawed –appointments to the Constution Commission and the Constituent Assembly have not been fully determined, and there is a danger of these bodies being stacked to ensure a particular outcome. We have already been told that chairmen of Provincial Councils will be appointed by the regime and not elected by members of the council as was the practice up to now.

In order to facilitate genuine consultations and full participation of the people, all restrictive Decrees and policies that impede freedom of assembly, association, expression and movement must be removed.

In addition:
Political parties and civil society organisations, including trade unions, should be free to meet and consult with their constituents without having to seek permission from the authorities for proper and genuine debate and exchange of views, the media must provide fair, balanced and accurate coverage. It has been noted that certain media organisations are exercising bias and not giving fair coverage to all political parties. Statements critical of the process are often heavily edited and given delayed coverage while government statements get immediate and prominent coverage.

Decrees such as the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree that give unfair advantage to the regime by granting it privileged protection must be removed to facilitate a level playing field and to ensure fairness.

Representatives of political parties, NGOs and civil society organisations should be included in the civic education programmes to ensure that the people are accurately informed and that these programmes do not become indoctrination sessions pushing a preconceived agenda.

The Council noted that other political parties, trade unions and several civil society organisations have expressed serious reservations about the regime’s roadmap. In light of this, the Council recommended that the FLP Management Board consult with their leaders to arrive at a consensus on the way forward.

A revised constitution
The Council questioned the need to write up an entirely new constitution noting that the 1997 constitution was promulgated following wide consultations with the people, and that it had the broad agreement of all the communities.

A practical alternative to holding early elections under a revised constitution would be to use the 1997 Constitution as the base document with appropriate amendments and additions where considered necessary.

The role of the military in the nation’s governance should be thoroughly considered and appropriate safeguards provided in the constitution restricting it from engaging in politics.

It is critical that all functions connected with the next general elections, including the voter registration process, be handled by an independent elections office headed by the Supervisor of Elections. This office must be completely detached from the administration.

The Council expressed concern that State resources were being used by the regime to hold political sessions with people in villages and settlements. These propaganda campaigns at public expense must cease.

67 comments:

A SDL/Labour joint election platform to fight the next election is a way forward as the regime:

Is not appointing an Independent Supervisor of Elections.

Has given no indication how the military can revert to its correct role of subserviance to an elected government.

Both Jai Ram Reddy and Rabuka were thinking along these lines as was the recent SDL/Labour Qarase government.

The common enemy has now proved to be the treasonous coup leader and the army.

Such a joint platform at an election will easily defeat the proposed regime's attempt to retain power, so much so that they may revert to another coup to stop any 2014 election. Then will be the correct time for military intervention from Aus.NZ. and the arrest of the coup leaders.

At last I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Congratulations Mr Chaudhary for offering of the olive branch to SDL. I am an SDL supporter and am deeply impressed that this is what this country needs to see a way forward. This country is in a serious economic and political mess. Its so encouraging to see these two poliotical parties coming together. I see very little way out of the political and economic quagmire we are in right now. The only way is what Chaudhary has proposed. These two parties no doubt continue to carry the support of the people of this country. The world would love to see this proposal develop. We are fed up of all these Bainimarama bullshit. I ask Qarase to respond to the offer by FLP. The people of this country can now reclaim their country with this dynamic proposition. Therein lies everlasting peace amd posperity. I have no doubt ouir major two races can now live in peaceful co-existence and build a prosperous Fiji.

To the FLP and SDL parties leaders if you're really genuine of bringing Fiji out of the doldrums and unite the people together at this challenging time then they should remove ALL their differences and have a common goals for the benefits of everyone who called Fiji HOME....the best strategies would be to get in some young leaders to unite all the people of Fiji and remove corruption practices at ALL the time....remember the common enemies would be those that covered-up the lies of the 2006 coup and deliberately removed the 1997 constitution to save them and their families and their friends....people must be taught the basic human values of respecting the supreme law of the land, humility, respect, tolerance, freedom of religion, and most importantly give reverence to the Lord Almighty...

This is great news and is a sigh of relief for the people of this country. The coming together of these two leaders and their political parties is what this country needs to free itself from the mess it is in now. So much ridiculing has been directed at tghese two leaders who undoubtedly continue to command the political support of the people of this country. They have been ridiculed with certain accusations but put together against this idiotic dictator, you'll find they are no match to his evil record. Some examples unlike the dictator Qarase and Chaudhary have not :ordered the murder of any Fiji citizen, committed treason, robbed the govt coffers of millions of dollars stacked away in overseas bank accounts, been drunk and disorderly behaving in public and shitting in his pants in the process, supressed the public publishing of auditor generals report since 2006,involved in shady business dealings and awarding of suspicious contracts to Chinese companies to do roads etc in Fiji, tortured any Fiji citizen including women, supressed the media from free reporting, paid themselves $700,000 in salary as PM, paid themselves 30 years of leave pay which should have been forfeiteed according to government financial rules and regulations, appointed brother and daughter to top govt and govt owned entity posts, prematurely released murderers from prisons because his brother law was involved, promoting convicted manslaughtering bro in law to PS in govt, lied to Fijian people about a cassava ethanol mill causing thgem to embark on mass cassava planting programme, lied about cheaper hardware from China, authorising 2000 coup and ordering supplies of weapons and food for coup people from camp as well their salary, lying about doing away with racism after making nasty anti Indo-Fijian remarks to one Rajesh claiming Indians pray to tevoro, satan and are mother fuc****, managing our economy as Finance Minister after only attaining a Form 4 pass placing the country at great economic risk.

I support the SDL/Labour coalition proposal against the regime. They can oppose each other later democratically when they have disposed of the common enemy. They will win hands down. The economy is in a mess.

I salute you Chaudhary on this FLP?SDL coalition initiative. I bet this can be the best government that can deliver peace and properity to this country. You have tried it out in 2006 and these goons cut you short because their leader was merely trying to avoid prison. Come on MPC and LQ go for it, we are all behind you. The international community will surely support you. This development is indeed exciting and is bound to spell the end for these goons who should prepare themselves for Naboro.

About time the true powers of politics has spoken - pity that we couldnt have done this 10 years ago and avoided this period of destruction by Bani and crew.Please note that this merger doesnt guarantee a solution - we still need to weed out the chors of both sides like Rajesh Singh,Lekh Ram etc.

I am seeing a light at the end of the present dark, gloomy, murky tunnel.God bless Fiji. So we will have a stronger front to tackle the illegal thugs.I am waiting to see them off to jail. Each and every one of them, and their properties seized and sold. Ooops, maybe no election.

Like Ratu Mara, Chaudry was part of this coup. If this goes ahead (which I hope it does) there is going to have to be immunity for all these past deeds. That raises the need for immunity for the co-conspirators such as Aiyaz and Voreqe - that sticks in my throat.

Qarase and Chaudry - pls sit down and talk for all our and our childrens sake!!!! Plan together and share power as per 1997 Constitution,,,,,Include NFP please and stop any past bickering etcTIME TO PUT NATION FIRST AND FORGET THE POLITICS,,,,GET RID OF BAINIKAIYUIM AND THIEVES

Haha Bainimaramas worst case scenario is about to unfold, a SDL Labour coalition. ( I bet he and Siamese didn't see that coming)Either no election in 2014 or will trump up some BS to not let parties contest next election.

'Chor'dhry is known as bardka (big man). Now he is bardka chor (big thief). Baini's left-cherry Chaudhry is trying to evade court case for tax evasion and treason charges. he had chance bemire to be part of ADL but arrogantly spurned opportunity and supported coup. he should be in jail with his in-law, Sachida, who benefited senate seat from Chaudhry's nepotism.

What a joke!!! Has Chood ry ever worked with anyone? This has to be joke of the year. People seem to have a very short memory. Just go back to 2006. The saga of opposition party leader's office. Like a little child Chood did not want to give up the office. Thanks to Mick and his maturity, he came out to be a bigger and more matured person.

We simply cant not allow these old farts to come back just to take the country back to 1874.

We need new blood. Forward thinking matured leader. Let's go back to last year's list that was compiled by C4.5

Chaudhary is untrustworthy!!! He has created the racial division in Fiji. He has always worked against the indigenous! Look back in history, Chaudhary was introduced to politics by NFP in 1987, first coup, 1999 Chaudhary PM, 2000 second coup, 2006 Chaudhary instigated the division, the false charade to the military and the propoganda about the economy third coup!!! See the pattern. Chaudhary let down NFP, let down Labour coalition partner Fijian Association Party, let down Labour colleagues Baba, Dutt, Chetaniya Lakshman, plus other Labour party colleagues in the SDL Labour Multiparty cabinet! He let down Frank after joining him by decieving him (only good Chaudhary has done)! Qarase you have been stabbed by Chaudhary many times, you not receiving your pension and your duly deserved PM's due was because of Chaudhary, he was the illegal Robin Hood Min of Finance who advised Frank!!! He will use you and dump you, wake up Tui Mavana, you need the support of good people not conniving vultures!! Form a multiracial party but not with Chaudhary, you have enough good Indo Fijians that you trust, get them!!! Long overdue to see some sanity return to God 's gift to the world.......FIJI!!!

Chaudhary is untrustworthy!!! He has created the racial division in Fiji. He has always worked against the indigenous! Look back in history, Chaudhary was introduced to politics by NFP in 1987, first coup, 1999 Chaudhary PM, 2000 second coup, 2006 Chaudhary instigated the division, the false charade to the military and the propoganda about the economy third coup!!! See the pattern. Chaudhary let down NFP, let down Labour coalition partner Fijian Association Party, let down Labour colleagues Baba, Dutt, Chetaniya Lakshman, plus other Labour party colleagues in the SDL Labour Multiparty cabinet! He let down Frank after joining him by decieving him (only good Chaudhary has done)! Qarase you have been stabbed by Chaudhary many times, you not receiving your pension and your duly deserved PM's due was because of Chaudhary, he was the illegal Robin Hood Min of Finance who advised Frank!!! He will use you and dump you, wake up Tui Mavana, you need the support of good people not conniving vultures!! Form a multiracial party but not with Chaudhary, you have enough good Indo Fijians that you trust, get them!!! Long overdue to see some sanity return to God 's gift to the world.......FIJI!!!

Chaudhary has a short memory, he forgets that the gun being fired on him by the regime was loaded by him!!! Don't try to gain sympathy, we still remember the tv footage and the manner you and your son Rajen ran havoc in 1999 and after the coup in 2006!!! If you did not assure Frank of your support of a coup there would not have been a coup!!! What goes around comes around!! You want Fiji citizens to trust you, make a genuine apology of your wrongs and present a formal ceremonial apology to the indigenous before an ounce of faith is restored! I dare you!!!

Mahendary Chaudhary records is only archive because of the successful optimum operation by the previous government ,which is Rabuka government,Fully agree with (anonymous 10.48) Chaudary was supporting the baini goverment in 2006 and even swore an illegal oath to be the finance minister,this man is of no good to the future of Fiji,his a conman,for all i can see with my bare naked eyes Mahendra chaudary the corruption old man just like baini crew,just because baini booted his ezz out mahendary chaudary is now wanting to form goverment with SDL,otherwise not he would still be with baini not baking like street dogs with no house,wake up people don't be mislead by this chorr,thief,he should be put to jail to rot,should be charge with TAX EVASION,TREASONS,NEPOTISM,ABUSE OF OFFICE,that is, giving goverment jobs to unqualified people mainly his family,HIS PARLIAMENT IS NABORO KUTE KAMINE..

This is potentially dramatic news, yet no mention in the Fiji Sun or Times. Aiyaz and Voreqe should make sure they do their job and report more fully and objectively. Transparency was a major plank of their agenda.I am a new blogger and intend to keep an eye on these two papers and their perceived lack of objectivity.

Ghai sounds so stupid..and he thinks that we are stupid to listen to a corrupt liar,murderer,and give him another chance when it is all so obvious that whatever he does is so corrupt and thats including the hiring of this wannabe einstein..go home Ghai..no one needs you here..

While a united party between Fijians and Indians is a GREAT idea, I am not too keen on Qarase and Chaudhry only unless each is prepared to apologise publicly for their misdeeds - Qarase for the FHL scam and Chaudhry for misuing monies sent from India to support the poor Indians in Fiji. Humility goes a long way and if they had only acquired this God given virtue, we would not have had the 2000 and 2006 coups.

No matter what they now say - HISTORY has shown that the two men cannot see eye to eye and will NEVER enter into any long-term partnership. Don't be mistaken, their proposed union now, is not putting Fiji first but getting rid of Bainimarama first. The real battle starts after Bainimarama's exit.Bainimarama needs to go. YES. However, what needs to be done is to follow the court ruling. The President needs to appoint an interim civilian administration to steer Fiji towards free and fair elections. Qarase and Chaudhry may be part of that administration. The interim administration should also have as it's mandate, discussion by the public at large, followed by national referendum, on changes needed to be made to the 1997 Constitution.And, while all of this is in progress, Bainimarama needs to be relieved of his duty as military commander and the police should be allowed to resume investigations into the death of CRW soldiers.Caveats should be placed on all properties/assets owned by Bainimarama Cabinet Ministers, and appointees - including FNPF CEO. They should all also be blacklisted from leaving the country until the completion of inquiries/investigations. FNPF CEO should also be investigated for abuse of office and gross misuse of his fiduciary responsibilities.If there is immunity/amnesty considered, that immunity should not include protection from prosecution for involvement in murder or misuse of treasury funds.THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. A Chaudhry/Qarase marriage of convenience is NOT THE ANSWER.

This proposed coalition is surely going to scare this goons to the bone. I believe its legal schemers under the Taliban SOB are already at work in hastening LQ and MPC's postings to Naboro with their impending cases in its bid to off-track this political effort which has great potential in bringing down this regime. Never mind the fact that there are no evidence.

To those of you ridiculing Chaudhary. Compare him to Bainimarama, Chaudhary has never stolen any cent from the taxpayers coffers unlike Baini who has swindled millions of public funds now stacked away in overseas banks. Chaudhary never paid himself $700,000 when he was PM. If you're crying over the $2m in Aussie bank, he has accounted for that money as his resettlement funds in Aussie. The $2m is not taxpayers money, that is the issue, full stop.

FIJI FIRST ...FIJI FIRST .....FIJI FIRST IS COMING YOUR WAY ON A DEMOLITION DERBY...GET READY FOR 20% GROWTH IN ECONOMY.....and don't waste your time SDL/NFP/LABOUR !!!! you will only end up losing your deposit !!!

Another joke 'Choodu" has never stolen any cent from public is grossly incorrect. I would suggest that C4.5 gets in touch with Raman Velji, Poseci Bune and Anand Singh and ask them anout the funds collected by Mahen in Canada and USA for victims of Moniveni (not sure of spelling of this place)

These 3 gentleman were responsible for getting the funds raised. Mahen came to USA and Canada, made a commitment to help the poor farmers that were housed at Girmit Center in Lautoka. After collecting the funds, Mahen flew to Australia. The funds never did make it to Fiji. The rest is history now. So much for Mahen being clean.

Chaudhary is the only PM (on record) who degraded, disgraced,demean and mortify the honorable office of the Prime Minister of Fiji when he was caught red handed and in an uncompromising situation/position with a female (you know who!!)

That act should must be taken on board when he intends to stand in the next election.

Lucky, he was the PM for only a short time, otherwise the brothel in Waimanu Rd may have relocated to Government buildings!! Think guys!!

If democracy is the aim of those that write here than this is an option i once wrote in the Fiji Times(when they allowed us to comment) after the coup that there is one solution the unifying force of the SDL/Labour! I got sconned by many! Some may see a problem here but are these two parties willing to forgo their previous vision of existence for the betterment of FIJI and all who live there? That is the question-to me its simple there is always a middle ground if people are willing to meet there and then move forward! Question is can they ie both these Leaders really accept it or are they to hard core to move from theie previous points of belief & contention??? As the the grandfather used to say' "Na ka kece e vaka gauna" "Everything has its own time" Maybe we have arrived at that point after so much solace and rethinking or have we? What do you think Lai and Mahen? You now have to challenge not only your grassroots supporters but those that favour Frank & also the possibility of newer political parties arriving on the scene! But the very concept will make people think unless they have a few more aces up their sleeves?

Chodohry to come back as leader of an Indo dominated party again? Are you all out of your flippin minds??? The bastard failed to protect the country from terrorist in 2000 even though he was the PM had experienced similar situation in 1987! Do we want to entrust our life and country to the same assole again? He made and illegal oath to become an illegal Minister of Finance of the coup maker in 2006-and you still want him to run the country? No thanks, take him somewhere else and go and make him your leader there!!!Narsey, you also have a lots of bones inside your closet-so stuff it!

Frankly i would rather have Frank then these 2 mongrels. Had they put Fiji first 10 years ago instead of their over inflated egos we would never have seen the likes of Frank. Don't we have anybody else with some substance to stand up against Frank in Fiji. I am sure their are many honest decent smart Fijians who can take Frank on. Come on my fellow country men lets find someone better then all these idiots. Mr. Narsey why don't you form a party. Many on this site will support you i know i will.

OKAY! CHODOHRY AND BAINIMARAMA ARE BOTH THIEVES...THEY STEAL AND TAKE THAT WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO THEM..I AM SATISFIED WITH THIS.

BUT THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS, CHODOHRY STOLE WHILE HOLDING PUBLIC POSITIONS HE HAD BEEN ELECTED, NOMINATED OR APPOINTED TO BY THE PEOPLE OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE...WHICH IS VERY WORSE AND LOW-DOWN.

ON THE OTHER HAND STOLE WHILE HOLDING THE ONLY PUBLIC POSITION THAT MATTER, AS PRIME MINISTER, TO WHICH HE WAS NOT LEGALLY APPOINTED TO.

THIS IS THE CASE...WHICH OF THE TWO IS FAR WORSE...WE KNOW THAT BAINIMARAMA WAS GOING TO DO ANYTHING HE LIKES. ON THE OTHER HAND WE HAD EXPECTED CHODOHRY BEING LEGALLY APPOINTED AND ELECTED NOT TO DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPARE WHAT BAINIMARAMA IS DOING TO WHAT CHODOHRY HAD DONE WHILE PM, LEADER OF OPPOSITION, FPSA GENERAL SECRETARY, PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL FARMERS UNION AND MANY OTHERS...,

A combined SDL/FLP ticket is for the purpose of showing a united front to Bainimarama. This grand alliance should carry Fiji through a transitional period of one year, during which time the coalition should organize elections, form a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and establish a legitimate constitutional review process. Qarase and Chaudhry should publicize their joint platform now and apologize to the electorate for their past mistakes. Both men should declare themselves now as non-candidates in the new elections to be held after the transition and be ready to put forward new leaders. They should also prepare for their testimony to the T&R Commission. If cleared, they can contest future elections.

Bainimarama will not go without a fight. He will move against the coalition leaders, probably before the elections. At that time, citizens of Fiji, the vanua, the lotu, the labor movement, and those RFMF and other elements still loyal to Fiji need to rally to the support of the coalition, non-violently if possible. The Pacific Islands Forum should invoke Biketawa and the governments of Australia and New Zealand should be prepared to intervene militarily, if only to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Some of the names put into nomination here were on my own list, and I welcome all suggestions. But Tevita Mara for President and Driti for Commander? No, they need to answer to charges of treason and human rights abuses before anything else. These are serious crimes. In Mara's case, the courts and T&R Commission should take into account his apparent contrition and support to the democracy movement as mitigating factors.

Who should be the new RFMF commander will probably be clear after the final showdown with Bainimarama.

Totally agree with this blog. Should be the basis of an opposition to Bainimaram.

Where is Robin Irwin? Noted blog comments earlier this week:

Ilisoni Vaka - June 2006Labasa, Fiji "The arrival in Cabinet of newly elected Minister Robin Irwin is the best thing that has happened to Fiji for a long time.

Boon LEANO – June 2006Auckland, New Zealand Water privatisation. I agree with Mr Irwin...Fiji is one of the nations who sell their water at the cheapest rate...this might mean that water costs would rise but then it will also discourage squatting etc because if you want to live in the urban areas, then be able to afford the amenities and basics. Water needs to be harnessed and only competition in privatisation would take its quality to international standards and ensure good services.

Merenam Bhaini – June 2006Suva, Fiji I kind of like this man actually, he's what you can call a decision maker and doesn't muck around.

Merenam Bhaini – June 2006Suva, Fiji Yeah same here...never heard he existed until the elections but then some of us are not from that area and do not know him but from what I hear he commands a lot of respect in Savusavu because he's a man who gets things done."March 26, 2012 3:30 PM

To those preferring Bainimarama than LQ/MPC coalition, please think again and refresh your memory box. Unlike the idiotic dictator, LQ and MPC have never ordered the killing of any Fiji citizen, never paid themselves $700,000 when they held PM post,never committed treason, never tortured citizens including women, never crooked taxpayers money (chaudhary $2m was not taxpayers money,) never cause suffering to civil servants with sudden 55 age retirement policy, never slashed pensions for retired people who have served this country for a good part of their life etc. And on top of that with his form 4 education, one in his/her right frame of mind will never place his future and that of his children in the hands of such person. What does this guy know about political leadership and how to handle the national economy? It's just absurd and insulting to common intelligence. The literacy level in this country is the highest in the region minus Aust and NZ and we deserve nothing lesser than the best brains to manage our national affairs.

Get the young to manage the country's affairs...get rid of the old say hi to the new....we need new leaders who have fiji at heart...Bani and his crew should now count their days....new govt come in and seize all their asserts and money...put them through trail and also the international crimimal court for abuse,killing and theft...in all this IN GOD WE TRUST TO LOOK AFTER THE UNABLE.........peace!!!!